2011 Champions League: Final 16

Ah, February – the month of truth for so many clubs across Europe. It’s when the domestic leagues start winding down, tightening up and becoming extremely competitive. It’s also when the European Champions League starts getting serious, when dreams are realized and lost.

The average clubs are gone at this point from the CL, and you’re left with class from different countries. This year, there are several of the usual suspects left, and a few surprises. Is there a clear favorite? In my opinion, it’s hard to bet against Barcelona, but as last year showed, they can be beaten if a team gains a bunch of momentum and good fortune. I don’t think Inter can repeat judging by their recent play, though they have improved since Leonardo took the coaching controls. Too many injuries in the back should doom the Nerazzurri. I think AC Milan and Real Madrid are a bit old and crusty this year, though they obviously still have the goods if they catch a roll. I’m thinking that the Manchester United Red Devils might get a spot in the finals if they keep up their run of form. They obviously have a great coach, a strong captain in defense (Vidic) and are playing plenty compact. Here’s this and next week’s matches, being played after a two-month CL break: Tuesday
Milan-Tottenham
Valencia-Schalke

Wednesday
Roma-Shakhtar Donetsk
Arsenal-Barcelona

Feb. 22
Copagen-Chelsea
Lyon-Real Madrid

Feb. 23
Marseille-Man. United
Internazionale-Bayern

A.C. Milan vs. Tottenham Hotspur F.C.

Tomorrow’s matchup is one to savor. It features a sturdy if not aging AC Mlan, which was rebuilt with striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, midfielder Robinho, Ghana attacker K.P. Boateng and Antonio Cassano. They still have Pato and others, but also a glaring weakness in central defense when Alessandro Nesta is hurt. The club presently rests above the Serie A table. But the Spurs are a legitimate Champions League test for any club, and even finished the first stage above European Champions Inter. Rafael van der Vaart has added needed creativity, and Gareth Bale has opened eyes across Europe. Many are calling these two meetings advantage for Milan, but the Italians will have to deal with the ripping pace of Tottenham to advance. Expect real excitement here.

Valencia C.F. vs. F.C. Schalke 04
Valencia may have lost their two Davids – Villa and Silva – but it’s still managing to surprise in La Liga and the Champions League. Schalke has not done well in the Bundesliga this season, meaning they will likely pour everything into advancing in the CL.

A.S. Roma vs. F.C. Shakhtar Donetsk
My lovely Roma are suffering right now in terrible form. Frankly, I’m fearing this match. We just played our worst game of the year on Sunday, losing to Napoli 0-2. We defeated Shakhtar in the Europa League a few years back, but the Ukrainian champions look really tough. They even finished ahead of Arsenal in Group H this year. Shakhtar returns to action after a three-month winter break without their starting center back. Roma need to not allow any home goals. Captain Francesco Totti has been a shadow of his former self. Some leadership vs. the Ukrainians is crucial. Just hoping for the best.

Arsenal F.C. vs. F.C. Barcelona
Fox Soccer Channel has been advertising this match as the one you have been waiting for, and perhaps it is. It’s just hard to see Arsenal coming out on top here, and avoiding the fate they met last year. Barca has lost just once all season and are riding a 16-game winning streak in La Liga. It’s a stiff contest for both clubs.

F.C. Copenhagen vs. Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea has had the ‘Blues’ lately in the English Premier League, but this should not pose a contest for them.

Olympique Lyonnais vs. Real Madrid C.F.
One of the rounds’ better matchups. Lyon, remember, eliminated Real last year in the Round of 16. This year, though, they face Real coach Jose Mourinho. Hard to see Lyon advancing, but they start at home.

Olympique de Marseille vs. Manchester United F.C.
An underrated draw here that could produce a few fireworks. ManU recently lost to the last-place Wolves, but bounced back with a vital derby win over Man City.

F.C. Internazionale Milano vs. F.C. Bayern Munchen
This is a rematch of last year’s CL final, won by Inter 2-0. This should provide some good watching. Neither team is what it was, but both have the quality to beat just about ayone. Inter owns a magnificent strike force in Eto’o, Diego Milito, Wesley Schneider and Gianpaolo Pazzini. Bayern has struggled with a multitude of injuries this year, but will be motivated by a need for revenge.

This year’s final will be played at Wembley Stadium in London on Sat., May 28.

4 Responses

LETS GO MANU!
What a game over the weekend! ROO! What a goal.
I agree with your outlook here on the CL, and this is a great time of year in soccer.
However I see a potential upset in the Chelsea match…they are waaaaaayyyyy off from this year, however, in fairness if they sit Torres and let Anelka/Drogba do they’re thing…well then, we’ll see. I DON’T want Arsenal winning anything…however, when that sqaud is on…they are tough offensively…should be a good challenge for Barcelona.